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Imperial teen to beneﬁt from Red Cross blood drives

Makenna Wallin is

battling leukemia

In December, doctors diagnosed Makenna Wallin, daughter of Marilee and Jeff Wallin of Imperial, with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of her blood and bone marrow. Fifteen-year-old Makenna’s positive outlook and regular blood and platelet donations have buoyed her through chemotherapy treatments the past few months, her mother said. As a show of support, the American Red Cross, Chase County High School and Imperial Bible Church will host blood drives in the CCS sophomore’s honor in March. “You can seriously help save people’s lives,” said Mrs. Wallin, a blood donor herself. “It’s a small gesture that is a huge thing. If we didn’t have blood and platelet transfusions, we wouldn’t have Makenna.” Here are the details of next month’s blood drives: March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chase County High School, 520 E. Ninth St. To make an appointment, contact Angie Paisley at (308) 882-4228. March 22 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Imperial Bible Church, 800 W. 11th St. To make an appointment, contact Liz Mollendor at (308) 882-3958 or go to redcrossblood.org. Blood collected at the blood drives in her honor may help many types of patients, including those battling leukemia and other forms of cancer. In fact, some cancer patients require daily blood transfusions as part of their treatment. Donors can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.